Lorain ‘Cops and Kids’ search out holiday gifts together

Nolan Torres, 7, selects his pro wrestling action figures with help from Lorain Police Officer Reuben Figueroa in the annual Cops and Kids shopping event on Dec. 16, 2017. The city police union raises money to pay for shopping sprees for children in need. They are allowed to select clothing and toys with the limit at $150 per child for the 2017 event.
Richard Payerchin — The Morning Journal

The Fraternal Order of Police Lorain Lodge No. 3 held its annual Cops and Kids shopping event for youths from families that could use some help for the holidays.

For 2017, a corps of 40 Lorain officers, along with their families and supporters, banded together to shop with about 76 area children, age 18 and younger, at the store, 4380 Leavitt Road.

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“The program’s taken off in seven years,” said Jesse Perkins, FOP vice president and event coordinator.

Most of the children come from Lorain, but the program is open to families from surrounding communities.

This year Cops and Kids had 577 applicants. With that many, the police union have a committee to screen applicants and select participants, Perkins said.

Officers also collect donations and raise money through the year.

“It’s neat to see how big it’s actually gotten,” he said. “As much as it can be stressful, it’s kind of cool to see how it’s grown from 2010.”

The day started with pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause at Lorain High School, then a pizza lunch.

From there the youths ride on school buses to Walmart to shop with officers for an hour or so.

This year each student had $150 to spend, and they made the most of it. Some items they buy for Ohio’s weather, some just for fun.

“The goal is to make sure that the kids have coats, hats, boots, gloves, stuff for winter, and if they don’t we encourage them to purchase that today,” Perkins said.

As long as the youths have adequate winter wear, toys are allowed. The participating children pick their own and the officers keep a running tally of price tags.

Officer Reuben Figueroa and his brother-in-law, Bisael Ruiz, and their families were part of the shopping contingent. Figueroa and Ruiz worked with brothers Adan and Nolan Torres, while other family members shopped with their siblings Alverta Torres, 9, and David Torres, 13.

“Alright, are you guys ready to go for some toys?” Figueroa said.

“Yeah,” the boys replied.

“Ready to do, let’s rock and roll,” Figueroa said.

Adan Torres, 10, and Nolan Torres, 7, selected some of their favorite pro wrestling action figures, among other items.

Floyd Howell, 9, of Lorain, shopped with Officer Brent Payne and his daughter, Venessa, 12. Howell did his best to explain the Five Nights at Freddy’s games, but Payne said he is more adept discussing Transformers.

The event is all about bringing out the children and getting them what they want, Payne said.

“It’s very humbling,” Payne said. “But it shows a different side of us, a side that not a lot of people get to see.”

Perkins agreed officers want the young people to see them outside a law enforcement setting.

“It’s nice to have the ability when the kids are younger, for them to interact with officers and their families,” Perkins said. “They’re just normal human beings.”

At the end of the shopping trip, Carlos Torres, father of the three brothers and their sister, thanked Figueroa with a handshake and a hug on behalf of his children. The family moved to Lorain from Florida, Torres said, and he and his wife found work only recently.

“I don’t think you realize the difference you make for us,” Torres said. “I’m grateful to the Lorain Police Department.”